How fares the state? Or, rather, in the case of Gauteng, how fares the province? That’s one question many South Africans probably have in mind, and one for which Gauteng premier Panyaza Lesufi may have just provided answers to, in his state of the province address.
He started by greeting dignitaries present and then launched into the affairs of the province and what he has been able to achieve as premier, as well as subsisting challenges.
He declared his government’s commitment to accelerate Gauteng’s economic recovery and reconstruction, fight crime, as well as strengthen the capacity of the state to deliver quality services to the people. The goal is to drastically change the living conditions of the people living in the 26 townships of the province.
Where ordinarily his state of the union address would have ignited hope in many as well as strengthened their faith in his continued leadership, it generated mordant criticisms from sections of the provincial legislature, with DA leader Solly Msimanga cautioning Lesufi and urging him to focus on the basics before dreaming big projects.
Other members of the legislature expressed their thoughts as well and, for a moment, a semblance of chaos took over the house, leading to an adjournment.
